Judge rules gag order violated in Trump news

NEW YORK – Former President Donald Trump was held in contempt of court and fined US$9,000 on Tuesday for repeatedly violating a gag order in his New York hush money case. The order barred him from making public statements about witnesses, jurors, and others connected to the case.

Prosecutors alleged 10 violations, but the New York Judge found nine to be true. This ruling was a significant blow to Trump, who argued he was exercising his free speech rights.

The trial, now in its second week, centers on allegations that Trump and his associates engaged in an illegal scheme to influence the 2016 presidential campaign by suppressing negative stories. Trump has pleaded not guilty.

In a surprising turn of events, Trump’s son Eric attended the trial, marking the first time a family member has been present.

The prosecution is building its case through detailed testimony on email exchanges, business transactions, and bank accounts. They aim to prove Trump’s guilt on 34 felony counts of falsifying business records related to hush money payments.

The trial is expected to last another month or more, with Trump required to be present in court four days a week. Despite his campaign activities, Trump expressed frustration with the proceedings, calling the case unjust.

As the trial continues, prosecutors are seeking further fines for alleged violations of the gag order. The judge is also set to hear arguments on Thursday regarding additional violations.

The trial has already heard from key witnesses, including Trump’s former executive assistant and the former publisher of the National Enquirer. The prosecution is leading up to crucial testimony from Michael Cohen, Trump’s former attorney, who has pleaded guilty to campaign finance violations.

With tensions rising and the November election looming, Trump’s legal battles are intensifying, setting the stage for a high-stakes courtroom drama.